The “Dentistry Fall Symposium,” held as part of Dentistry Week at Near East University, offered two days of information and entertainment. The symposium addressed current dentistry topics ranging from digital applications and aesthetic restorations to implant management and artificial intelligence. The event also featured the Near East University Faculty of Dentistry’s “White Coat Ceremony” for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.
Organized in collaboration with the Near East University Faculty of Dentistry, the Dean of Students’ Office, and the Northern Cyprus Dental Students Association (NCADS), the two-day “Dentistry Fall Symposium” was held at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center. Combining social activities with academic content, the symposium significantly contributed to the professional development of students and provided a valuable platform for sharing current approaches in dentistry.
The first day of the symposium began with a variety of activities where students could showcase their knowledge and skills in a fun atmosphere. A chess tournament, puzzle competition, and general knowledge quiz were filled with entertaining competition, while the opening musical performed by the Near East University Music Club provided an energetic start to the program. The first day concluded with an awards ceremony.
The symposium began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem. The second day was devoted to scientific sessions. Opening remarks were delivered by Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy; President of the Cyprus Turkish Dental Association Dr. Dt. Turhan Ulutekin; Vice Dean of the Near East University Faculty of Dentistry Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özay Önöral; and Intern Dentist Berkay Hamurcu, President of the NCADS Student Union. The symposium, which shared current academic knowledge and clinical experiences, featured expert academics and dental students sharing their current approaches and clinical experiences. Question-and-answer sessions held throughout the sessions encouraged active participation and enriched the sharing of information. Following the symposium, the Near East University Faculty of Dentistry’s 2025-2026 Academic Year “White Coat Ceremony” was held.
From Digital to Aesthetics, from Implants to Artificial Intelligence, from Information and Entertainment…
The symposium, which concluded with five sessions, featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağatay Dayan’s presentation on “Digital and Traditional Occlusal Splints.” Intern Dt. Ege Erdoğan presented “Nonodontological Pains Mimicking Endodontic Pain,” providing tips for identifying pain originating from non-dental sources. Intern Dt. Cansu Aşkar presented “Aesthetic Restorations from the Past to the Present,” focusing on the history of aesthetic dentistry and current practice trends. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uğur Mercan, in his presentation “Dental Implant Options, Success Rates, Complications, and Solutions for Geriatric Patients,” focused on implant applications in elderly patients. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cansu Büyük, in her presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence Applications in Dentistry,” discussed the applications of artificial intelligence in dentistry and its contributions to clinical processes. Intern Dr. Hüseyin Emre Bölücek shared current risk management methods in clinical practice with his presentation “Risk Reduction Strategies in the Implant Life Cycle.”
Intern Dr. İdil Celebi made a presentation titled “From Conventional to Digital: An Overview of Clear Aligner Therapy” and Intern Dr. Büşra Elbüken presented “Managing Dental Anxiety from a Digital Perspective,” sharing digital applications in dentistry and innovative approaches to patient management with the attendees. At the end of the symposium, Intern Dr. Berkay Hamurcu posed questions to the participating students using the “Dental Kahoot” program, which featured the symposium content, and prizes were awarded to the winners. The symposium concluded with a cocktail reception at the Car Museum.
Their Professional Journeys Are Empowered by Knowledge, Technology, and Ethical Values!
In his speech, Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy emphasized that since its founding, the university has pursued a vision that produces science, shapes innovations, and places students at the center of academic life. Prof. Dr. Aksoy stated that Near East University’s recent inclusion among the world’s top 500 universities in the THE 2026 results is the international manifestation of this vision. Prof. Dr. Aksoy emphasized that this success is a global recognition of the expertise of all faculties in education, research, and community service, and stated that the student symposium is a concrete example of the university’s commitment to actively engaging students in this success story from their early student years.
Dt. Turhan Ulutekin, President of the Cyprus Turkish Dental Chamber, began his speech by stating that he is a Near East University graduate and that it is a great pride for him to return to the podium he once took years ago to receive his diploma. Expressing that a challenging but robust professional journey awaits students, Dt. Ulutekin said, “I believe you will confidently step into the profession with the education and skills you receive here. You represent our ethical values and our country in the best possible way. We are closely following your work and wish you continued success.”
Preparing for the Profession with Science and Innovation!
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özay Önöral, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Near East University, stated that Dentistry Week is not just a celebration; it is an important gathering where dentistry’s scientific aspects, ethical stance, and responsibility to society are reiterated. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Önöral emphasized the critical role universities play in this transformation. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Önöral stated that they train future dentists not only with technical knowledge but also with an awareness of ethical and evidence-based practice, emphasizing that the symposium aims to further advance the profession by sharing knowledge.
NCADS Student Union President and Intern Dentist Berkay Hamurcu emphasized in his speech that the union is not merely a student community but a powerful platform that prioritizes scientific development and solidarity. He noted that the union’s achievements on national and international platforms have created significant opportunities for young dentists, and he added that they strengthen student communication through social and academic activities.
